Telangana: Hyderabad Drowns: Police Urge WFH Amid Deluge
Relentless Rainfall Grips City
Heavy rainfall since midnight on July 22, 2025, has inundated Hyderabad, submerging low-lying areas and disrupting normalcy. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, forecasting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall across Telangana until July 26.
Cyberabad Police Advisory
The Cyberabad Police, led by Joint Commissioner (Traffic) D. Joel Davis, issued an urgent advisory on July 23, 2025, urging IT and corporate firms to implement work-from-home (WFH) policies. This measure aims to reduce traffic congestion and ensure employee safety during the adverse weather.
Severe Traffic Disruptions
Key IT corridors, including Gachibowli, Hitech City, Madhapur, and Kondapur, have faced severe traffic snarls due to waterlogged roads and flyovers. Commuters reported hours-long delays, with vehicles stranded on flooded routes like the PJR and Kothaguda flyovers.
Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
Recent rains exposed vulnerabilities in Hyderabad’s infrastructure, with water stagnation on newly constructed flyovers raising concerns about construction quality. Open manholes in flooded areas pose additional hazards, prompting urgent action from civic authorities.
Proactive Safety Measures
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Disaster Response Force (DRF) are working tirelessly to clear waterlogged areas and assist residents. Authorities have advised residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and avoid non-essential travel.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
The IMD’s orange alert for Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts warns of potential flooding, with Sheikpet and Langar House recording significant rainfall in the past 24 hours. A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal may intensify the downpour.
Collaborative Response
Cyberabad Police expressed gratitude to companies adopting WFH arrangements, emphasizing the need for cooperation to maintain emergency service access. The advisory aligns with efforts to minimize disruptions and prioritize public safety.
Ongoing Challenges
Persistent rainfall over the past week has strained Hyderabad’s drainage systems, with waterlogging reported in areas like Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, and Uppal. The situation underscores the need for improved urban planning and flood mitigation strategies.